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Performing Arts Lesson Reviews from Students

Students are raving about their Performing Arts instructors on TakeLessons.
Check out some of these recent reviews.

Review by Jacob

"Great teacher! Very patient. Knows her stuff and works at a pace that is comfortable. Speeds it up when she knows we have it. Couldn't ask for a better te

acher!"

...

Philadelphia, PA teacher:
Stephanie S.

Review by Noel

"Great easy to learn from!!!"

Philadelphia, PA teacher:
Stephanie S.

Review by April

"Stephanie's positive energy is contagious. Her talents extend her techniques and dancing abilities. I was not a confident dancer but her patience and f

eedback made me very comfortable in learning new forms of dance and self-expression. She's great with my 3 little girls as well, which is a feat in itself! We all look forward to our dance lessons with her every week."

...

Philadelphia, PA teacher:
Stephanie S.

Review by Toni

"I've had my first lesson, and Stephanie is great! Just what I'd hoped for, a real teacher patient w a beginner. It was a lot of fun."

Philadelphia, PA teacher:
Stephanie S.

Review by Cameron

"I worked with Joy during her directed production of "dtf" as a part of Drexel University's Director's Lab performance during fall of 2016. Joy was an abs

olute blast to work with and was extremely encouraging during the course of our rehearsals leading up to the performance. She really helped my scene partner and I to explore our characters on a much deeper level than what was proactively displayed on stage. I felt that it helped me immensely as an actor during the show as I felt much more comfortable in my position on stage and more "in-tune" with my character. Joy is a wonderful director who puts in maximum effort for directing and takes a personal and effective approach to actor preparation for her productions!"

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Philadelphia, PA teacher:
Joy W.

Review by Meghan

"If you are enthusiastic about life and looking for a teacher who is too, Stephanie is your girl! When I started taking dance lessons from Steph I was pret

ty self conscious about my moves and she made me feel super comfortable with her positive attitude. Her energy is thriving with wonderful vibes and she taught me how to let loose and feel the music. I am now very comfortable doing interpretive dance thanks to her, and am passing along what she has taught to me!"

...

Philadelphia, PA teacher:
Stephanie S.

Review by Camiel

"Patient with my daughter. Step by step movements. Exercise and stretching. Good first class."

Philadelphia, PA teacher:
Stephanie S.

Review by Jim Funk

"Amazing teacher! Very patient!"

Philadelphia, PA teacher:
Stephanie S.

Review by Josh

"I've always considered myself to have very little rhythm and dancing was always uncomfortable for me, but I still wanted to impress my girlfriend with a f

ew dance moves for an upcoming wedding. Stephanie was very welcoming in her home with a small 3rd floor dance studio with skyline views; she was encouraging, patient and professional. After four one hour lessons, I was able to pick up a few simple dance moves that has given me more confidence to hit the floor. Thanks Stephanie!"

About Elizabeth H.

About Elizabeth

Elizabeth is an established and respected voice and piano teacher, and also an active, versatile performer in musical theatre, operetta, and opera in the Philadelphia region.

***Teaching Philosophy***I am a fun, enthusiastic teacher who cares deeply about her students and their growth as musicians and people. I believe teaching works best when students are relaxed, having fun, and are actively engaged in the learning process. It is also important that you practice what we work on during lessons at home if you wish to see real progress. I will work hard along with you and ask for your input during lessons; we are partners in the learning process.

I also believe each student is unique, and take differences in learning style, interests, goals, and personality into account when I teach. Whichever you choose to study (voice, piano, or

both), I tailor lessons to suit each student's needs. I would like to enable you to meet your musical goals, whatever they may be.

***Lesson Details and Recommendations***

Singing voice: I teach classical vocal technique with an emphasis on the body-mind connection. Through the course of my training, I have studied the Alexander Technique, which is a method that has been used by actors, musicians, and athletes to find optimal body-mind coordination to achieve better results. The voice is the only instrument that is literally your body, so we will be using these tools to improve posture, breathing, and resonance. By learning a healthy vocal technique, you can expect improved tone quality, an expanded vocal and dynamic range, greater resonance, increased agility, improved diction, and more. Healthy vocal technique can be applied to any genre, and I teach students who are studying a wide variety of music, but classical and musical theater repertoire is my area of expertise.

Speaking voice: I have had great success helping students who come to me for help with their speaking voices. As the speaking voice and singing voice use the same set of muscles, the same set of functional principles apply. I work with students to improve their posture, breathing, and breath support when speaking, as well as clear diction, better pacing, and conveying emotion and meaning. These tools also lead to increased confidence when speaking.

Piano: I am also an established piano teacher and have had much success teaching beginning and intermediate students from ages 4 to 91 in various styles of music. I believe it is important for students to learn how to read and interpret written music as well as understand the structure behind it, so in addition to learning musical basics, I incorporate music theory into lessons. I encourage my piano students to learn how to read lead sheets and create chord accompaniments as well, which opens the door for comfortably playing in all sorts of styles sooner than would be possible by classical approaches alone. I also work on improvisation and songwriting with my piano students, if desired.

***Lesson Recommendations***I offer lessons in 30, 45, and 60 minute increments. These are the *minimum* lesson lengths recommended. Longer lessons are more beneficial, except in the case of children with smaller attention spans. A 60 minute lesson is the best choice for serious students (teenagers or adults).

*Please note: I do not reserve regular lesson times in my schedule for students who cannot commit to weekly lessons. With students who wish to take less frequent lessons, I recommend the flex plan, with lessons to be scheduled as we go at our mutual convenience.

***Educational Background***Elizabeth holds an M.M. in vocal performance from West Virginia University, where she was featured in numerous WVU Opera Theatre productions and was the soprano soloist with WVU Choirs in Faure's Requiem and Handel's Lord Nelson Mass. While at WVU, Elizabeth resumed taking lessons at the piano, which she had previously studied for many years, and exceeded the piano proficiency level required by the university. She also holds a B.A. in music and international studies from Emory University. Elizabeth has studied and performed internationally, both at the American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria, where she was the recipient of the Lemmonds Scholarship, and at the Bel Canto program in conjunction with L'Arena di Verona opera company in Verona, Italy.

As a graduate assistant at WVU, Elizabeth taught voice lessons to music education and performance majors as well as a course on vocal pedagogy. After graduating, she served as adjunct faculty, in which capacity she taught vocal repertoire and opera theater. She has maintained a private studio since 2005, in which she instructs students in voice and piano. She has also held past teaching positions with the Meridee Winters School of Music and Woodland Country Day School.

***Active, Professional Singer/ Actress***Elizabeth was most recently seen as Joanie in The Full Monty at Candlelight Theatre in Delaware. Other recent performances include June in Musical of Musicals: The Musical and Peaches/ Baby Jane in Jerry Springer: The Opera with Bootless Stageworks in Wilmington, DE, solo performances with the New Voices Cabaret at the Society Hill Playhouse in Center City, and Woman 2 in My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra with Mainstage Center for the Arts in Blackwood, NJ. She has performed numerous leading roles with Philadelphia area Gilbert and Sullivan companies, most notably appearing as Angelina in Trial by Jury with The Savoy Company, winning Best American Production at the 2011 International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival. Her G &S performance credits include the roles of Patience (Patience), Yum-Yum (The Mikado), Rose Maybud (Ruddigore), Phyllis (Iolanthe), and Fiammetta (Gondoliers). Additionally, she has pioneered roles in new operas, including Gwendolyn in The Crowded House at the 2010 Philly Fringe Festival and Zelda in Black Horses with OperaDelaware at the 2009 Wilmington Fringe Festival.

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Reviews

Shannon September 14, 2017·Piano·In studio

Elizabeth is a great teacher, makes lessons fun and comfortable!

Dan M February 20, 2017·Vocal Training·In studio

Elizabeth has been great with my daughter. She makes vocal lessons fun! Elizabeth is always very supportive and give kudos for her efforts which builds up my daughter's confidence. This is a great approach as it often opens up the child's desire to push themselves and solidifies that it is ok to make mistakes. We are very fortunate to have found Elizabeth.

Dylan Strong February 8, 2017·Piano·In home

Awesome teacher!!!

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Elizabeth H.

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Elizabeth H.

Conshohocken, PA 19428

(26)

starting at

$35
/ 30-min

About Sandra H.

About Sandra

Sandra began her training at the Settlement Music School in Philadelphia. She is a two time recipient of the Mario Lanza Award, and holds a B.M. degree in opera from the Philadelphia College of Performing Arts. She studied acting at both the Wilma and Walnut Theaters in Philadelphia. In New York, she studied Shakespeare at the HB Studios, and received on-camera training at the Weisst- Barron Commercial School. Sandra is a member of Actor's Equity.

Sandra was engaged for seven years at Theater des Westens in Berlin, Germany, where she performed extensively in Musicals and Operetta. She also toured throughout Germany with the ensemble "Operetten Express". In the U.S., Sandra has toured nationally with "Man of La Mancha" and "Carousel", and has performed leading roles in many regional theaters. She also performed in the Off-Broadway

Musical "Mamaleh". Sandra has performed in over fifty productions of Musicals, Operetta, and Opera. Some of her favorite roles include: Aldonza (Man of La Mancha), Desiree (A Little Night Music), Marguerite (The Scarlet Pimpernel), Antonia (The Tales of Hoffmann), and Lauretta (Gianni Schicchi).

Most recently, she has performed the role of Lynn Fontanne in Ten Chimneys at Old Academy Players, and played one of the principal roles in Jacque Brel Is Alive And Well and Living In Paris at The Steel River Playhouse.

As a director, Sandra has staged operas for Center City Opera Theater, the Delaware Valley Opera Company, Boheme Opera New Jersey, and the New York Metro Vocal Arts Ensemble. She is currently singing concerts with the vocal group "Touch of Classics", and can be seen in commercials for Time Warner, Cuisinart, The Skooter Store, and Aspercreme.

*** Lesson Details ***Our lessons will be relaxed and informal. My goal is to make you the best you can be. We will work on giving you a solid vocal technique so that you can approach any style of music with a good foundation. We will also work on learning to read music, and most importantly work on songs that will bring out the actor in you.

*** Specialties ***I specialize in musical theater, classical, and opera. I can also teach German and Italian diction. My acting experience is mainly in musical theater.

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Reviews

Thomas S. February 17, 2018·Singing·In home

Sandra was terrific ... it's been ages since I did any singing and she made me feel very comfortable reengaging. I'm really looking forward to working with her going forward.

Eric G. February 15, 2018·Singing·In home

Sandra is a very positive and enthusiastic teacher. She makes sure you are following proper technique and is thorough in telling you which steps to follow. I would recommend her to anyone who wants to try singing lessons or who wishes to improve their technique.

Ka K. December 20, 2017·Opera Voice·In home

Sandra made me immediately comfortable and was
really approachable.

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Sandra H.

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Sandra H.

Philadelphia, PA 19128

(15)

starting at

$31
/ 30-min

About Peter M.

About Peter

I am a student of various great drum teachers from many backgrounds. Experienced players enjoy jamming with me, but I have been told that I am especially gifted at helping beginners feel comfortable finding rhythms and sounds out of any instrument, including the human body. Rhythmic breathing is made simple and encouraged from the start. Tones and drum patterns can be explained verbally or written mathematically. Students remember the patterns forever, as well as gaining comfort in playing with other drummers or instruments. Odd time signatures or complicated songs can be tackled and easily learned. Use any drum or percussion instrument you have! Recordings are encouraged if you like!

Peter grew up in Chicago, raised to love soulful music. A graduate of Northwestern University's Performance Studies program with a focus on Theatre and

Media Arts, Public Speaking, and Ethnology. Designing percussion for stage and dance lead to studies and teaching of North and West African, Middle Eastern drum, Caribbean/South American and Asian drum and percussion rhythms. First hand experience has been gained by living in Morocco and South Korea for nearly a year each, studying and documenting folk music.

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Reviews

Wael April 20, 2016·Hand Drums·Online

Great teacher, great class

Eli I. September 14, 2015·Hand Drums·In home

Great lesson!

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Peter M.

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Peter M.

Online

(2)

starting at

$15
/ 30-min

About Caili Q.

About Caili

Hi! My name is Caili. I've been teaching ballet since 2010 and have loved helping my students understand technique and find the joy in what they do. I received the majority of my training at Ballet Academy East and Richmond Ballet. The method I teach is a combination of all the techniques I've found beneficial throughout my training and career. I've performed with Richmond Ballet, North Carolina Dance Theatre, and First State Ballet Theatre. Currently, I'm a professional dancer with BalletX. I'm a friendly and energetic person and my teaching style is thorough and rigorous, but most of all fun. I'm very open to tailoring the class to fit your specific goals, whether recreational or pre-professional. Looking forward to meeting you!

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Caili Q.

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Caili Q.

Philadelphia, PA 19130

starting at

$30
/ 30-min

About Michael J.

About Michael

I am a professional trumpet player, singer, arranger and educator based in West Philadelphia. Born into a musical family in Peoria, IL, I began playing cello at the age of two, but eventually was drawn to jazz trumpet and voice, while having a keen sense of music theory and piano. I studied music at Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and Northwestern University. While at Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, I was awarded a FIPSE grant to travel to Brazil and study traditional samba music. While there, I worked as a clinician at Faculdade Cantareira in Brasilia. After CCM, I received my Masters in Jazz Studies from Northwestern University under the tutelage of Victor Goines (tenor saxophonist for Jazz at Lincoln Center) and Brad Mason (Current Musical Director for Blood, Sweat and Tears), during which, I was selected to perform as the “jazz tru

mpet” chair in part of Disney’s highly selective All American College Band.

After graduate school, I moved to the city of Chicago proper. For 3 years, I played trumpet and sang jazz standards most Thursday evenings at the famous Green Mill Cocktail Lounge, one of Chicago’s oldest jazz clubs. In addition to that, I helped start The Syndicate, my hip-hop brass band that offers a blend of funk, R&B and jazz. I also played with other groups such as Four Star Brass Band, and J-Livi and the Party, which released an album in July of 2016 called “Come and Share My Life," whom I still play with.

I love teaching. I go into every lesson with the belief that the student is there to learn; if they weren't interested in learning, they wouldn't be there. Because I have always had diverse musical interests, I create a stress-free atmosphere for my students by allowing them to pursue whatever avenues of music interest them. My degrees may be in Jazz Studies and Performance, but I have extensive experience with Classical and Popular music; I provide a unique perspective and enthusiasm to every student.

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Reviews

Kyle November 19, 2017·Vocal Training·In home

Mike is a kind, warm, knowledgeable teacher. His expertise in various vocal styles is what I love the most. He can comfortably teach and sing opera, musical theater, pop, and jazz. I love working with Mike!

Patrick November 17, 2017·Music Performance·In studio

Mike is an incredible performer and a very thoughtful musician. I have performed with him several times and he always holds himself and others to a very high standard. I got better by singing with him! I know he takes teaching very seriously and I can say from personal experience that my musicianship improved just by being around him.

Josh November 17, 2017·Trumpet·

Mike is an extremely gifted musician and is extremely passionate about his many gifts. If you are looking to improve as a musician, Mike can help you get to where you want to go. As a trumpet player, he is fantastic and can assist any student improve in any number of ways.

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Michael J.

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Michael J.

Philadelphia, PA 19143

(12)

starting at

$25
/ 30-min

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About Stephanie S.

About Stephanie

Stephanie graduated from the University of the Arts in 2012 (BFA Jazz Performance), she then embarked upon her passion to teach all types of movement she loves most, including- Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Hip Hop, Ballroom and Latin, Wedding Dances, Vinyasa Flow Yoga and Yin/Restorative Yoga (200 hr Certified).

Whichever style dance you've wanted to learn or improve upon - whether it be Ballet or Salsa, I can help you reach your goals. If you have a first dance for your wedding coming up- Let me make the process effortless and fun for you! (Couples Lessons available). Or maybe your goal is to enrich your life through Yoga and Meditation- Let me guide you (Group Lessons Available Upon Request). Please don't hesitate to message me with any questions you have, I'm here to help you accomplish your movement and fitness objectives!

Thank you fo

r your consideration!

“We’re fools whether we dance or not, so we might as well dance.-Japanese proverb

“To dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful.. -Agnes de Mille

“There is a bit of insanity in dancing that does everybody a great deal of good.-Edwin Denby

“Dance is the only art of which we ourselves are the stuff of which it is made.-Ted Shawn

Na·ma·ste- "My spirit honors your spirit. I honor the place in you in which the entire Universe dwells, I honor the place in you which is of Love, of Integrity, of Wisdom and of Peace. When you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me, we are One."

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Reviews

GIL L. March 13, 2018·Dance·In studio

It was a wonderful lesson

kara .. February 17, 2018·Dance·In home

Great lesson! Fun!

Jim Funk November 30, 2017·Dance·In studio

Amazing teacher! Very patient!

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Stephanie S.

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Stephanie S.

Philadelphia, PA 19146

(21)

starting at

$30
/ 30-min

About Bizzy L.

About Brian "Bizzy"

Brian “Bizzy”, an altruistic and empowered professional in the entertainment industry, started dancing in his adolescence. During Bizzy’s transition to becoming a professional dancer, he had the opportunity to work with Freedom Theatre (located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) for various productions. Subsequent to networking with many managers and directors in the business, Bizzy landed his first series of opportunities to choreograph many shows and projects throughout the Philadelphia region.

In 2007, Bizzy decided that it was time to relocate to Atlanta, Georgia so that he could further his studies in dance. He also received a few teaching positions (Dance 411 Studios and Gotta Dance Atlanta), which helped him solidify his niche and market his brand as a dancer/choreographer.

A year later (2008), Bizzy decided to relocate to Los An

geles, California where he could focus on breaking into the industry. Moments later, he received a few opportunities to teach at some of the most sought after dance facilities in Hollywood (Debbie Reynolds Dance Studio and Debbie Allen Dance Academy). His craft has lead him to work with brands such as Verizon, Chanel, along with the likes of Wyclef Jean, Jill Scott, Will.I.AM, Alicia Keys, LeAnn Rimes, Raheem Davaughn, Ludacris, Jazmine Sullivan, Flo-Rida, Keke Palmer, Leona Lewis, Young Jeezy, Soulja Boy, Enrique Iglesias, Beyonce, and many more.

...

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Bizzy L.

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Bizzy L.

Philadelphia, PA 19145

starting at

$150
/ 90-min

About Natalia D.

About Natalia

About me:

• Freelance Dancer/Artist with more than 5 years of experience. • Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Have lived and trained in Spain for many years, now living in New York. • Spanish is my first language, but I also speak English, Portuguese and French.

• My classes are FUN and if you want to work with a real teacher who can DESIGN a CLASS just FOR YOU, I am the teacher you are looking for!

Example: I can teach you only tap ("zapateo") lessons, or specific rhythm lessons if that's what you're interested in ...or I can help you to gain movement expressions and balance when doing your turns, etc... Anything that you want to focus I will be more than happy to help!!

We use Spanish Flamenco music in class, and also different types of music to understand rhythm theory and to connect more with the Spanish

culture and as well with the student culture. In some specific cases we may have live guitar and "cante" on class.

Class always begins with a warm up and then the lesson.

***Open to group and Individual classes. Depending on request.***

Teaching Flamenco Dance is a true passion and joy.

*** Whatever your goals are with Flamenco Dance, I can help you get there! Get in touch any time to tell me about your goals. All gender and all levels are more than welcome. ***

¡Nos vemos pronto! (See you soon!)

...

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Natalia D.

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Natalia D.

Online

starting at

$95
/ 60-min

About lauren S.

About lauren

My name is Lauren Schelfhaudt and I've been actively teaching and competing in Ballroom/Latin dancing for over 10 years. I love teaching Ballroom and Latin to students of all different levels, ages and goals.

I've studied and taught the Bronze, Silver, and Gold syllabi of Latin and Ballroom for over 15 years. My competition and show experience has helped me instill showmanship in students of any level.

Professional Titles: Fred Astaire United States Professional Latin Champion 2 Times United States Professional Mambo Champion World Professional Salsa Champion

Television Appearances: Bravo - Watch What Happens Live We TV - David Tutera’s CELEBrations Bravo - Million Dollar Listing New York Bravo - Real Housewives of New York We TV - David Tutera’s My Fair Wedding

I enjoy the most having someone with a desire to learn how

to dance and seeing their dreams come to fruition....with music even!!!... it's fulfilling.

...

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lauren S.

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lauren S.

Ardmore, PA 19003

starting at

$67
/ 45-min

About Pete P.

About Pete

Having spent half my life in professional theatre, I have experience writing, directing and acting in all types of theatrical environments. I am the co-author of several holiday pantomimes produced at People's Light and the author of Beautiful Boy a play recently published on Amazon. I am a four time Barrymore Award winner for excellence in theater. A Lunt-Fontanne fellow and a teacher for special needs children for the past 12 years. I am an advocate for special needs learners and am invested in all of my students success.

Recent Performing Arts Articlesfrom the Blog

Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned pro,
check out the Performing Arts articles on our blog.

Maybe you're trying to get ready for your first dance on your wedding day. Or maybe you're feeling inspired after watching Dancing with the Stars and seeing the celebrities learn to ballroom dance from scratch. Or perhaps you've always wanted to learn how to ballroom dance, but have never had the time, opportunity, or courage to learn. No matter what has drawn your interests to ballroom dancing, it can be a bit intimidating if you feel like you have two left feet! The tips outlined below will ge …
Read More

How to Learn Ballroom Dance Steps When You Have Two Left Feet

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What Can I Expect to Pay for Dance Costumes?

If your kids are begging you for dance classes or lessons, one thing you'll need to budget for is dance costumes. Your child will need appropriate attire to wear to class, as well as special costumes for dance recitals. This article will discuss the dance costumes that your child will need, how much they typically cost, and ways that you can budget and save money for this expense.
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While what your child is required to wear to class can vary between dance studios, the guidelines l

Can You Really Learn Contemporary Dance Online?

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You have a lot of options when it comes to learning, practicing, and performing modern dance. And with t

Contemporary Dance for Beginners: What Do You Need to Know?

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3 Ways to Overcome Shakespearean Intimidation on Stage

Most people are familiar with the storylines of famous Shakespeare plays like Romeo and Juliet and Hamlet - but when you're actually looking at the scripts, sometimes it can feel like you're reading another language! To combat this, here are some tips from Baltimore acting teacher Larry P...
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Finally got that audition or that part? The one in the Shakespeare play? Suddenly overrun by the worry that the language will be too much? Confidence that has never left you before suddenly